Disney Cruise Line Axes Balcony Smoking, OK's Shorts in MDR

(2 p.m. EDT) -- Disney Cruise Line is tackling two of the cruise industries thorniest issues -- smoking and dress code -- with two new policies: one banning smoking on balconies and another allowing shorts in the main dining rooms.

Effective November 15, passengers no longer may smoke on cabin balconies; this includes electronic cigarettes. The policy change, a Disney spokeswoman told Cruise Critic, was prompted by past passenger feedback. Anyone caught smoking on a balcony will be charged a $250 stateroom recovery fee.

Smoking still will be permitted in designated outside areas including parts of decks, 4, 9 and 10 on Disney Magic and Disney Wonder and decks 4, 12 and 13 on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.
The line's second policy change removed shorts from its list of discouraged dining room attire.

Previously, shorts, along with swimwear and tank tops were considered unacceptable dining attire. Shorts may be worn in any of the ships' main dining room, including on formal nights. Shorts are not acceptable in the specialty restaurants Palo and Remy.